The Wife's Commandments

 

While the miners had their own Ten Commandments, so did the wives of the Gold Rush era. But they didn't have ten, they had 12! Here is a summary -

Commandment 1 - You shall only have one wife -me!

Commandment 2 - SInce I am very jealous, you shall not bring into my house any beautiful servant girl.

Commandment 3 - You shall not use my name as a curse.

Commandment 4 - Always respect me.

Commandment 5 - Honor my mother and father like you would honor your own or better.

Commandment 6 - You shall not worry.

Commandment 7 - You shall not make any negative comments about my cooking.

Commandment 8 - You shall not chew tobacco.

Commandment 9 - You shall not look upon the neighbor's wife.

Commandment 10 - You shall not visit the tavern nor want to drink any of the liquor.

Commandment 11 - You shall not go the the pool hall to dance with the girls or gamble with our money.

Commandment 12 - You have a curfew and must be home by 9:00.

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